PARIS — After the District Attorney’s Office announced a felony manslaughter indictment against David Brown on Wednesday, he was hospitalized and remained there for most of the day Thursday, according to his brothers, although they did not disclose why he went to the hospital.

The brothers, Peter and Chuck Brown, were working on renovations at Brown’s house Thursday.

The two declined comment when first approached by the Sun Journal in the morning, but after learning that the DA’s Office made an error in announcing three felony charges against Brown, they called the newspaper.

Chuck Brown said he was relieved to find out his brother wasn’t facing more serious charges as a result of the fatal accident at Harvest Hill Farms last year, and was waiting for David to be released from the hospital.

“My brother wouldn’t hurt a kid. He’s got kids. He’s got grandkids. He loves his kids,” Chuck Brown said, choking back tears.

“It’s the worst feeling in the world. We’re all grieving for that girl,” he said, referring to Cassidy Charette, 17, of Oakland, who was killed when the Jeep driven by Brown for a haunted hayride went out of control at the Mechanic Falls farm on Route 26 in October. The Jeep had been hauling a trailer carrying hay bales and more than 20 riders when it jackknifed, hit trees and tossed riders off the trailer.

More coverage:

• Prosecutor: Driver in hayride fatal not charged with manslaughter
• Cassidy Charette’s parents support charges in fatal hayride accident
• Farm owner files for bankruptcy protection

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